Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News Guinn Friedman, Director of Operations, vaccinates a cat as Animal Control Officer Christina Suterin and Sherry Montgomery bring in more to be checked in Friday afternoon at to the Humane Society of Greater Savannah.

Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News Cats wait to be processed after being delivered to the Humane Society of Greater Savannah Friday afternoon. Animal Control Officer Christina Sutherin delevered about 18 cats to the shelter.

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The county-funded Savannah Chatham Animal Control Shelter was found to have repeatedly violated animal protection requirements in two state inspections last month, and its practices are being criticized as inhumane by four local animal professionals.

Douglas, a veterinarian, recently pulled her license from the facility.

County officials say they’ve addressed the inspection problems and are making plans to improve the shelter long-term, including the six-month hiring of a part-time veterinarian approved by the Chatham County Commission Friday.

At that same meeting both County Manager Russ Abolt and Chairman Pete Liakakis praised the shelter, its employees and volunteers, saying the veterinarian pilot program will further the board’s goal of reducing the number of animals it euthanizes by ensuring the health of animals available for adoption.

“That’s will be what in my words creates a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval,” Russ Abolt said. “The shelter can move more pets out of harm’s way, out of the specter of euthanasia and getting them adopted out.” Before the county’s new facility opened, euthanasia of dogs and cats averaged about 4,000 annually. Since then it’s dropped about 50 percent, a memo provided to the commissioners indicated.

Animal professionals including Douglas laud the goal of less euthanasia, but say it’s not being pursued in a systematic and humane manner.

“Animals held for adoption take cage space and inhibit the functioning of the animal control shelter,” Douglas wrote in an affidavit she submitted to the county. “Basic animal care is not being provided to an acceptable standard due to the problem of overcrowding.”

More veterinary care is part of the answer, Douglas said; she had recommended a full-time veterinarian. But also needed is a larger staff to provide basic cleaning and feeding.

Liakakis said in the meeting better staffing will be addressed in the future.

In September, the Georgia Department of Agriculture cited the shelter for failing to keep adequate records and housing diseased animals with healthy, adoptable ones. The two-year-old, $2.5 million county-funded facility on Sallie Mood Drive was also cited for cracks in cage floors and peeling paint in cages. Although staffed by the Savannah-Chatham police department, the facility is wholly funded by Chatham County.

“Sick animals should be housed separately in such a manner as to reduce the spread of communicable and/or infectious disease,” inspector Scott Sell wrote in his report.

Calling the facility “a jewel,” Russ Abolt said the only outstanding issues raised by the Department of Agriculture were structural ones. Expansion joints in some cages opened too far as the building settled. The contractor has agreed to take care of the problem and in the meantime the Department of Agriculture will lend the county a mobile shelter unit to house the animals in the affected cages.

Drug license pulled

In a move unrelated to the inspections, Douglas revoked her authority for the facility to use or obtain drugs under her Drug Enforcement Agency license.

Douglas said she was compelled to act after she witnessed drugs obtained under her license being dispensed without her knowledge or approval, which is illegal.

In August she stopped by the shelter to examine a kitten that staffers suspected had a broken bone. While there she noticed a puppy on an intravenous line. The dog was being treated for infectious parvovirus using drugs purchased under Douglas’s license. But another veterinarian had authorized the treatment.

“Even under veterinary supervision, treatment of parvovirus within a shelter is a risky venture,” Douglas wrote in a letter explaining her license revocation. “Without proper isolation and disinfection protocol, the disease can easily be transmitted to other animals in the shelter.”

In the sworn affidavit, Douglas detailed numerous other problems at the county facility, painting a picture of a dirty, overcrowded facility where nationally accepted standards of operation weren’t consistently followed.

Douglas provided veterinary services to shelter animals on an as-needed basis, first through VCA Animal Hospital where she began work in 2003 and then at her own practice, Berwick Animal Hospital, but there previously has not been an in-house veterinarian for the shelter.

Animal pros still have issues

Douglas offered to continue providing services to the shelter, but Russ Abolt dismissed her during an in-person meeting she attended with him and other county officials in September.

“Her issue is certain things she witnessed,” he said Thursday, referring to her affidavit. “We have different opinions.”

Russ Abolt offered letters from two veterinarians who assisted the shelter to balance Douglas’s view.

Dr. Karen Gold wrote that she has seen “no mistreatment of any animal or abuse of drugs or other medications on the premises.” She went on to write that the number of animals passing through has increased during her two years of volunteering and that the staff does a good job “given the resources that they have.” Her letter was received by the county Sept. 21.

“They are stretched thin as it is on a regular basis,” she wrote.

Dr. Beth Martin wrote on Sept. 25 that she had assisted at the shelter for a year and a half.

“At no time has there been intentional neglect, abuse, physical harm to any animaly.”

Douglas, however, isn’t alone in her concerns. A veterinarian colleague, along with the director of the nearby Humane Society for Greater Savannah and an Armstrong psychology professor with expertise in animal behavior, have all weighed in on the shelter’s shortcomings.

Like Douglas, Dr. Neely North, who works with Douglas at Berwick Animal Hospital, compiled her concerns in a sworn affidavit also presented to the county.

In it she cites cases of sick pets that were adopted out of the shelter, including some with heartworm; a dog that injured its cage-mate at Animal Control; others that developed illness at the shelter; and dangerous dogs in the public viewing area. She also witnessed animals adopted from the shelter without being neutered.

“Several animals have returned at a later date still intact with no follow up from the shelter for spaying or neutering,” she wrote.

Lynn Gensamer, executive director of the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, said she’s most concerned about disease and animal welfare at the shelter.

“We’re not able to help as much as we’d like because we can’t risk introducing sick animals into our facility,” she said. “The conditions are not humane for the animals. They’re due to the overpopulation at the shelter and the overall management of the numbers of animals that are housed there.”

It affects her facility: On Friday, Animal Control brought to the Humane Society 18 cats its officers had retrieved from the home of a hoarder who was forced to relocate.

“A lot of this is because they’re full and not managing the herds they have,” Gensamer said.

And she wants them to screen both adopters and pets better.

“We know somebody whose adopted dog had a litter three days after they adopted it,” she said. “She ended up finding homes for nine puppies.”

Even animals in good physical shape can be traumatized by the long stays in cages she’s seen as a volunteer at the shelter, said Angie Koban, an assistant professor of psychology at Armstrong Atlantic State University.

“I have observed behaviors in these animals that reflect anxiety, stress, depression and suffering. If animals are going to be kept at the shelter long-term, they should be provided with daily mental and physical simulation,” she wrote in a detailed seven-page email.

“No protocols exist to guide staff decisions on euthanasia etc. based on not only the physical health of the animals, but their mental health as well,” she wrote.

At Animal Control, pregnant dogs are often exempt from the euthanasia protocol and allowed to deliver and raise their puppies in the shelter, North wrote.

“Puppies are unable to be kept clean in such an environment and stand in feces- and urine-soiled runs. The area of the shelter that was designed as an isolation ward is called the ‘maternity ward’ and is where these mothers and their litters are kept,” North wrote.

Lines of authority

Animal Control houses animals adoptable through the rescue agencies Pound Puppies and FACTS, or Friends of Animal Control Team Savannah, founded by Diane Abolt, wife of county manager Russ Abolt.

One of the FACTS dogs was held for more than two years, Douglas stated. She’s had to euthanize other younger, more adoptable animals because of the overcrowding exacerbated by this and other long-term stays, Douglas said.

The rescue groups’ apparent impact on record-keeping caught the attention of the Agriculture Department inspector.

On Sept. 13, Sell noted that a card on cage number 31 identified the occupant only as “Diane’s cat Siamese/male.” A dozen other data fields, including ones pertaining to dates and medical care, were left blank. On a return visit the following week he found the same card reading “Diane’s cats x 3,” prompting him to cite the shelter for “willful disregard.”

In his comments on a Sept. 5 inspection he wrote: “It was also observed that some of the kennels were tagged with the names of some of the local rescue organizations. I asked about this and it was relayed to me that some of the organizations tag some of the animals as theirs and place the animals under their license — also receiving the adoption fees. The holding period set by the county allegedly does not apply to these animals and some may stay housed in the shelter for extended periods of time.”

In Friday’s meeting, both Liakakis and Russ Abolt called special attention to Diane Abolt’s efforts. The nonprofit FACTS provides shelter animals with about $3,000 to $5,000 worth of medications and testing per month.

“She’s the Mother Teresa of dogs and cats,” Russ Abolt said.

Both Diane and Russ Abolt rejected the idea that she has undue influence over staff decisions.

Diane Abolt said she offers her opinion about the adoptability of animals, but doesn’t have the decision-making authority about euthanasia.

“I definitely wouldn’t even want that responsibility,” she said.

But Douglas, who said Diane Abolt was the “ultimate end-all and be-all of who gets euthanized at the shelter,” felt she had no place to bring her concerns and be impartially heard.

“To me that was the biggest conflict of interest,” she said. “I didn’t understand why I was in the meeting with Mr. Abolt when it was such an obvious conflict of interest that his wife was involved here.”

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I am wondering why no emphasis was put on the fact that FACTS, the organization run by the County Manager's wife is allowed to operate at a PUBLICLY FUNDED facility?!?! Does this not sound like political corruption to anyone else? If "the Mother Thersea of animals" can afford $3-5,000 dollars worth of testing a month for animals how much more is going directly to the county manager and HIS wife? So the county manager is allowing PUBLIC FUNDS to pay for the running of his wife's business (501 3c or not it's a business). PUBLIC FUNDS house, feed and pay for those who care for these animals that the county manager's wife then has say over who adopts, how much they adopted for under her license. So essentially PUBLIC FUNDS are paying for the running of the county manager's wife's "rescue". Anyone else have a problem with this? Let's also address that Pound Pups (the other "rescue" organization at Animal Control) is NOT a 501 3c. Michelle is a FOR PROFIT organization and lives OUTSIDE of the county. So again PUBLIC FUNDS pay for all overhead and staff to run a PRIVATE business. FACTS is is even named on county signs. Why are citizens paying for signs posted at the entrance of Animal Control to advertise business? Why are citizen's being forced to pay for what boils down to FACTS and Pound Pups own little rescue building? There is trailer there that is the "office" of Pounds Pups. PUBLIC FUNDS pay for internet access, paper, offices, computers, leashes and food for these businesses. I don't know about anyone else but I would love for the county to provide me with all my employees, their benefits, pensions and all overhead for my business. But since I am not married to anyone in the "powers that be" or because I have morals and ethics that wouldn't allow me to steal from tax payers to fund my business I guess I will have to continue to pay my own way. This is the definition of misappropriation of tax payer funds and political corruption. These are clear violations of STATE and FEDERAL laws. SCMPD should contact GBI to open an investigation against the county and pursue charges on behalf of the tax payers for political corruption. Read the FULL reports from Department of Agriculture. It spells it out...the Department of Agriculture realizes it but no tax payer group has noticed this? The city manager was fired (asked to resign) for issues along these lines, why is the county manager any different? We as citizen's must DEMAND accountability from our elected and hired officials.

I noted one of the doctors letters stated there was no intentional neglect or physical harm to any animal. When I adopted a our dog from this facility about a year ago my dog was heartworm positive. No one knew if my dog was positive when he entered the shelter but he certainly was when he left. NO prevention of a completely preventable disease is given to any of the dogs at this facility. In fact when I asked about heartworm treatment none of the staff or adoption people really knew what was entailed. The "rescues" have no animal related knowledge. It's sad. I consider the intentionally with holding of preventative medications intentional neglect. Maybe the vet feels differently but then why do the try to sell prevention to all of their clients in their practices?

Time for Russ to grow a set..before his wife costs him his job.... Going around telling your friends that you are mother Theresa of pets.....while the CCAC falls apart....makes you look more like a spoiled wife of a reality show.....in fact I think it should cost him his job...enough of the entitled bullshxt..

was signed by Beth Martin, DVM. Russ Abolt had it faxed to SMN, but he did not write the letter. There is nothing more fanatical than a raging animal lover. I love my two dogs, but I can't take in twelve more. These "caring" vets charge more to treat my animals than my MD charges. In the scheme of things there are derelict humans, many with mental issues, wandering the streets with no food or shelter available. Grab a little perspective, you can't house, treat and feed every stray cat and dog. This wouldn't be a problem in Korea.

Russ and Diane's relationship is the route of the problem. She just does whatever she wants, and the Lt. doesn't know anything at all with regards to how to run an animal shelter so she lets Diane run wild too. And yes other facilities are worse but the people of Chatham county clearly want better for their animals! We have a brand new facility that is being run into the ground instead of making a difference for animals. Housing sick and dying animals, due to disease instead of humanely euthanizing is not being "mother Theresa". And by the way...mother Theresa let people die, peacefully. Isn't it funny that every time there is a complaint about Animal Control, Mr. Abolt just brushes it aside instead of commiting to a thorough investigation to prove the accusations false?? The gross mismanagment of the facility won't even allow this new part time vet to make any progress. If we just sit back and wait...like we have all been doing...we'll see. That vet will quit too. At the very least...can we just stop allowing them to breed the animals in the facility? That is horrific to hear when so many animals die in this country every year.

You are COMPLETELY correct! Boulware doesn't know crap about what goes on there. About does whatever she wants, she carries dogs around (her favorites!). And if you stand up for what is right, you are gone! Open your mouth to voice concern, you are gone. Dangle shame!

I like to think of myself as being objective; however, whenever it comes to animals, I am definitely NOT! I have read the articles in the paper, the accussations and personal opinions and comments here, I have read the HATE and personal assaults on a woman I do not know but feel she is getting a very bad rap!!!! Someone trying to SAVE animals is a BAD thing? These animals have had the bad fortune of ending up in an animal shelter because the irresponsible owners no longer wanted them and maybe just couldn't afford to care for them. Favorites???? Don't we all have favorites in one thing or another? Tell me why that is bad! Somehow, I believe that some of the money referred to in the article came out of the personal pockets of the Abolts. I know just how expensive the vet bills are for my four pets. Why is everyone so full of hate and resentment that someone cares enough to take up the mission of saving these animals. How fortunate this world would be if more took up such a mission not only to save the animals but do the same for the unwanted and mistreated children living right here in Chatham County. From what I heard from the Commission Meeting yesterday was that the woman spends countless hours volunteering her time at the shelter. I don't believe that is just to get her out of the house. it sounds to me like the woman has lots of love and caring in her heart for those animals at the shelter. I personally could not volunteer at the shelter as I could not bare it and I certainly cannot afford another pet. How many people have had their lives enriched from adopting FACTS animals? I would imagine there are many. People, read between the lines!!! Utimately, who is really going to be hurt by your hatred and this attack on someone that really cares? The animals! Rather than trying to find fault with somone that obviously has a caring and sincere heart for animals, get off your butts and from in front of your computers spitting acid remarks and go to the shelter to HELP!

"Douglas said she was compelled to act after she witnessed drugs obtained under her license being dispensed without her knowledge or approval, which is illegal"

This facility while paid for with county funds it is run under the police department. Who authorized or paid for these and why is SCMPD not doing anything about illegal activity by it's own employees? Or is it that a "volunteer" paid for this as part of "Mother Thersea" act and no one will ever bother to look into it because of who it is

people???? Yes there are issues at AC but most of it is caused by the public! The county needs to provide more funding, hire individuals that have knowledge of animals AND spay/neuter programs. Jumping on the only people cleaning up everyone else's mess is not easy. Everyone is counting on them to be the solution but it isn't!!!

Instead of complaining and bitching about things why not do something by petitioning the county for more resources, spay/neuter programs, punishing animal abusers AND cracking down on breeders. Even step up and lets start fundraising to get a spay/neuter program here.

Ultimately the problem is the public and its time we step up and help fix the problem. Every animal that is killed is because of someone that is irresponsible!

The Lt and FACTS is the best thing that AC has right now. The kill rate would be out the roof if it wasn't for them.

When "saving" lives involves subjecting animals to the horrors that have been outlined and confirmed by multiple people, yes, it is a bad thing. From the sounds of previous comments in yesterdays article by Angie Koban there have been many people who have tried to HELP but when the don't do as Diane Abolt says or voice a valid concern they are no longer welcomed in the facility. Only places with things to hide operate like that. The sad thing is in reality while this past two days worth have articles have shed a light on this subject it will more likely be ignored by everyone who has the power to change it. There will be an "investigation" and low and behold nepotism will prevail and Russ Abolt will announce his wife has been cleared of any wrong doing and that "Mother Thersea" is in fact the one being persecuted.

If 3-5 thousand dollars a month is coming out of the Abolt's personal pockets then perhaps we need evaluate Russ's salary. I am amused at how you associate hate with the intolerance of and violation of laws. This is CRIMINAL activity by our county government (and SCMPD if they do not investigate and pursue charges)

If Diane and Michelle devote so many hours to "saving" these animals why is it nearly impossible to get a hold of them when there is problem with an adoption? Why a potential adopters ignored? If they are truly trying to "save" animals why is there a "NO RETURN" policy on the animals. Why would a rescue demand you hold on to a dog that has bit a family member or caused other issues with the threat of law suits and intimidation? Every REAL rescue would rather see an animal returned to their care no matter the strain then potentially abuser or abandoned. In fact with the NO FOLLOW up from either organization on whether animals adopted by them are spayed and neutered they are contributing to the over population and problems at Animal Control as much as irresponsible citizens. I would LOVE to see the statistics as to how many pets adopted by FACTS and Pound Pups have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and are still in the homes they adopted them to 6 months after they leave the facility. Oh wait, we will never know because there is no follow up to even have that information made available.

The road to animal hell is paved with good intentions....But the person in charge should have enough sense to see they have no idea what they are doing...A multi million dollar facility that is run by people that are in over their head is a waste of money, resources and animal lives...If someone in Savannah/Chatham County Government would finally start thinking of the community at large rather than there own self interests, then maybe, we can get somewhere...What is it going to take?

Why on earth can the truth NOT be printed? You don't know Diane, we do! All I ever wanted was things to be run legitimately, but they weren't. When favorites are played in that facility, healthy dogs are euthanized. "Choices" are not always always made by protocol. I am personally happy that an investigation is finally being launched!!!! If you people think it is bad now, you should have seen it before when it was in the old facility!

A County Animal Shelter is an easy target. What's shocking to me is that any veterinarian would mount an attack on employees in retribution for their efforts to save the life of a Parvo puppy without consulting with her first.

To see Savannah Humane Association gleefully piling into the attack is sadly no surprise.

Diane Abolt is in fact an Angel of Mercy who is personally responsible for saving the lives of thousands of animals and blessing countless Savannah homes with companion pets salvaged from the county's castoffs. At Maranatha Farm we pray daily for those who make our mission possible and Diane is near the top of that list.

It takes the constructive efforts of many agencies and individuals to deal with the constant flood of abused and abandoned animals in this area. If this veterinarian wants to do something constructive let her offer free spay/neuter clinics and secure manufacturer's donations of heartworm prevention for the shelter animals.

I called the shelter today and inquired about both agencies that have been critized here. One thing I was amazed to find out that apparently that those in the "hatred mode" failed to include or even learn is the main difference is that the FACTS animals have already been neuterd or spayed unless they are too young and adopted out at one of the adoption events. Amazing that this wasn't included in all of the accustions. Many of them have even been micro-chipped to help relocate them with their owners if lost. They have also been tested for heartworm and placed on heartworm prevention if negative; if positive, it is my understanding and I am sure a vet can substantiate the fact that FACTS had them treated and did not add that to an adoption fee. They also had been given their rabies vaccination. I know all of this costs me quite a bit at my vet. What is FACTS charging for all of this? Definitely not what it is costing.

I know nothing of Diane Abolt being fired. My opinion is that her husband needs to be as he allowed the corruption to go on and pulled the wool over tax payers eyes, until now.
My opinion on the Humane Society and Animal Control is as follows;
Those in command at Animal Control do not know animal welfare and sheltering regulations. The slate should be wiped clean with the "decision makers" actively involved with animal control and professional experienced people who have the proper training, education and experience should be hired. It will take time and the public should be patient to see dramatic results. Little steps=bis changes when done correctly. That is where I think Dr. Douglas and Ms. Landers are coming from. Bringing public awareness to a situation she has tried to correct privately and was vilified because of it. Now that the public is aware it is our responsibility as citizens to ensure we are not blinded by faith in the governing authorities again. I am thankful a media outlet had the courage to expose political corruption and criminal activity. It is a refreshing change to the "norm" in city and county government in Chatham county.
Now on to the Humane Society. The HS does not get public funding. They fund raise. The have the luxury of not having to take in every animal off the street which could be diseased or need expense veterinary care. There is nothing wrong with their operation in that aspect. In every other community that humane societies are in they operate the same way. Most with the cooperation between them and their local animal services. Here, for reasons I can assume but do not know first hand, cooperation between the two seems to be strained or not functional. Yes the humane society fees are higher then animal controls. However the Humane Society spays/neuters, vaccinates and I believe mircochips their adopted animals. This would cost well over 300 for the adopter to do through a private vet.
Animal Control should subsidize their own budget and funding through doing their own adoptions. Ensuring animals are spayed/neutered and adopted into appropriate homes. This would allow for more staffing and animals to not be euthanized without requiring more tax funds be needed to fund the shelter. Essentially their budget could be reduced from the general fund because they would be generating their own income instead of paying for Michelle White of Pound Pups brand new Lexus. If animal control does not want to do their own adoption and contract that out then fine. However a bid process should be done and a contract written. 50% of income to that rescue/individual who is awarded the contract should be returned to the shelter. The entity in charge of adoptions could then fund raise themselves and work toward community education, which is significantly lacking in this area.
I would like to see an Animal Control Advisory Board formed so that citizens and professional could have input in protocol and procedures. That is where I would start if the decision were up to me...

I respect and admire your rescue efforts. My question to you is when animals have come to your facility from Chatham Animal Control were their Veterinary Health Certificates obtained on each of those transported across state lines? I believe I read that you took some of the hoarder dogs months back the day after they came in to animal control. Can you produce those records to show that those animals were LEGALLY transported and transferred to your facility?

and to DOGMOMMA4 does the Department of Agriculture report not explain enough to you to show that animals are labeled "Diane's Cats" and not even recorded as entering the sheltering. Not every animals adopted out of FACTS has those things done for them. Don't be fooled. Go there and experience for yourself, calling and talking the agencies that a stealing from the tax payers isn't going to give the real story.

I did not talk with either agency but inquired as a potential adopter as to the difference. I did not feel I was getting a biased opinion but the truth. I also referred to the newspaper article and asked if the Dept. of Agriculture still had violations on SCMPD Animal Control. The answer was that it had been a record keeping violation for four sick kittens brought in that had been given outside to Mrs. Abolt. Again, I don't feel that was made up or a lie. It was very frank and honest. Also, that it was cleared up within the timeline Dept. of Agriculture had given. This seems like OLD news. As for corruption....oh my, get a life. You must have nothing better to do than try to discredit good people. When I wrote my first comment today, I had no intention of responding anymore. However, your hatefulness is just unbelieveable. I have made up my mind who is getting a bad rap here and you are totally out of line. If I were Mr. and Mrs. Abolt, I would definitely contact an attorney for your character assassination in these postings. And, this will be my last posting. You and your obivous hatred are not worth my time!

I did not talk with either agency but inquired as a potential adopter as to the difference. I did not feel I was getting a biased opinion but the truth. I also referred to the newspaper article and asked if the Dept. of Agriculture still had violations on SCMPD Animal Control. The answer was that it had been a record keeping violation for four sick kittens brought in that had been given outside to Mrs. Abolt. Again, I don't feel that was made up or a lie. It was very frank and honest. Also, that it was cleared up within the timeline Dept. of Agriculture had given. This seems like OLD news. As for corruption....oh my, get a life. You must have nothing better to do than try to discredit good people. When I wrote my first comment today, I had no intention of responding anymore. However, your hatefulness is just unbelieveable. I have made up my mind who is getting a bad rap here and you are totally out of line. If I were Mr. and Mrs. Abolt, I would definitely contact an attorney for your character assassination in these postings. And, this will be my last posting. You and your obivous hatred are not worth my time!

I know Michelle, along with a lot of other people in the animal world but I am not her. I just want what is best for the animals and to help with the solution. I couldn't do what she or any other the true animals lovers do there, what they see and deal with. I do have inside information given by numerous people and have witness a lot.

I do not know anyone who wants to get "hired" at Animal Control. Most employees who I have dealt with would leave if they could other jobs. Not because of the animals but because if the administration. I too volunteered at animal control both at the old and new facility and adopted from the facility. I was amazed that no one hides what goes on there. They just act untouchable. There is no character assassination going on of anyone involved. All that is stated is a matter of law and public record. That is the joy of free speech and knowledge. As for the violation from the Department of Agriculture, if you observe the violation was not corrected after the initial violation was written which resulted in a "willful disregard" violation.

I have been "pulling" animals from Savannah Animal Shelter since the days when they operated out of a motley collection of rotting trailers and spent hours chasing escaped dogs down snake-infested waterways. No matter how slender the resources they were given the employees there have always done all they possibly could to care lovingly for the animals, well aware that for many it was the first kindness the animal had ever been shown.

There has never been a single time it has taken less than an hour to complete all the paperwork necessary on both sides of the desk. Once I leave the shelter with the animals they are my responsibility, not Savannah Animal Control.

The day that Brooke Fisher and I pulled 48 of the hoarder's dogs we carried them to Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, visiting all the veterinary clinics and asking each of them to help by taking one or two animals. Only one refused us. Everybody else accepted a share of the tremendous job it was going to be getting these dogs healthy and adoptable.

It would have been the work of half an hour for Savannah Animal Control to simply euthanize all these animals and their condition would have justified it. Instead, today there are families with devoted pets forever grateful to all who worked together to save them.

I usually respect u but, for once, you don't know what the hell u are talking about. I never ever said the word Humane society so I suggest you read before u open your big mouth! I stated the TRUTH about Abolt because I witnesses it for over a year! You moron, I have nothing to do with the HS!

I have been impressed with the level of investigation that Ms. Landers has taken to report factual, rather than, emotional information. I applaud her for this journalism professionalism and it reminds me of the approach that her fellow reporter, Lesley Conn took while uncovering massive wrongs within the city's government. It would be wonderful if the powers that be, specifically, the county commissioners take this issue seriously before more horrors are uncovered about the past and current management of our County's animal shelter. Those suffering most obviously are the animals who are being abused, all in the name of "keeping them alive". Death may not be the worse thing for man or animals when suffering is part of the equation.

While I feel bad for people who have addiction & mental health problems, I recognize that I don't have the qualifications and ability to help them get better. Likewise, based on the information brought forth, it appears that Ms. Abolt and some who are employed at Animal Control are ill-equipped or lack the knowledge of managing a shelter and doing what is best for all animals housed there.

Clearly there is an obvious conflict of interest with the county manager's wife having such a lead role, making management decisions and operating her personal non-profit organization out of a county facility. I don't doubt that Mrs. Abolt and those close to the situation believe among themselves that they are doing the right thing and may be too close to the daily operations to clearly see the big, scary picture. However, after reading every link offered on this subject, what seems to be needed for achieving even minimum results would be having a professional, knowledgeable and trained staff with nationally recognized policies and procedures in place which would be used consistently and openly. The article stated that the shelter is under the SCPD but rather than the city of Savannah having control or authority, it is funded and therefore managed by the County. Does that mean it's managed directly by the shelter's Officer, or Mrs. Abolt, or county manager, Mr Abolt or Chief of Police, Lovett? Does Lovett report to Abolt and get his directives on how to approach the animal shelter's director? Who is really responsible? Mr. Abolt, the Commissioners? Mr. Lovett? Shelter Manager? One person cannot assume complete responsibility for this tragedy, especially now that so much information has been revealed. At the top of the pecking order, and therefore those who should be held most accountable are the commissioners and their chairman.

I sincerely hope that action will be taken to remedy this situation, which does not mean hiring more incompetent personnel, but perhaps getting a non-biased professional animal professional or organization outside our area with no links to Chatham county who could do a thorough investigation of the Shelter and make specific recommendations on fixing the problem for the betterment of the dogs and cats in our community. Recommendations are not very effective, however if there is no follow through and continued monitoring.

Maybe, just maybe, IF people treated ALL people with dignity and respect, at all times, people would not have people who did not like them. But when some people (Abolt) treat people badly, then certain people (myself and clearly many others) never forget and will always remember bad stuff that some people (Abolt) do to them. Note to self, when you have "volunteers", don't let them leave on bad terms!

EXACTLY!!! Your issue with a person is why you are willing to try and destroy the only chance these animals have? You have an ax to grind with Albot and now we all know. Grow up and realize that its an ugly world dealing with the animal throw aways.

Less what both of u say. I will gladly join in the party tho. It is called karma. Discredited, who cares? Seriously, get a life! Slander is non truth, and baby, all of what I say is truth. Learn the diff. And lastly miss know it alls, nobody ever said I was dismissed ! I left, get it,'LEFT because of the dishonest actions of all involved over there!

Your attempt as a sleuth have failed, don't become a detective in your next job. I, unlike you, have far too busy of a life to call the dept of ag, I have a family and two jobs! I will however jump all over this now in voicing my opinion about what goes on there after these reports come out. I am not a trouble maker...but I do know that u think you know everything but, in fact, know nothjng

Andy Baxter, your observations are right on the money. A Veterinarian that has been working with AC since 2003, pulls her license??? Doesn't that speak volumes in itself? Since when did it become legal to use a Doctor's license to order drugs without their approval. Has anyone ever watched animal hoarder reality shows? All hoarders start out with good intentions of helping animals. When the proper resources are not available, things can get out of hand and become a problem quickly. Bottom line is that a new facility was built with good intentions, but improperly managed. Therefore, created an unhealthy environment for these animals. Knowing Dr. Douglas personally I know for how long she tried to keep this issue quiet. Several meetings were held about the issues at hand. She even offered at the last meeting to stay on and help improve the situation, when Mr. Abolt so nicely dismissed her. I would like to know how anyone can see any person gain for her here, when it was trying to be kept quiet to not give AC a bad name. No matter the situation, if you knew something wrong was happening and you had exasperated every resource you had to make it right. Then you were shut out because of politics, what is the only way to make your voice heard??? The media! Just because you go to the media, doesn't mean it is for, self-endorsement, sometimes it's a cry for help. There is plenty of reasonable doubt here for an investigation. Everyone needs to take recognition that there are numerous complaints from numerous sources. They didn't just get pulled out of thin air! No one has said that it is just the Abolt's fault, lots are to blame for these poor animals that need help. Unless you have been to or worked at Berwick animal hospita, you know nothing of the animals that have been treated by Dr.Douglas and the animals she has adopted out herself. If you are discrediting anyone involved in trying to bring this provlem tp the public's attention, you should be ashamed of yourself for not wanting to know what is going on and that this situation deserves an investigation! You would feel awful to know that everything. Said was true.

Come On Pete, wake up! The buck stops with you and YOU are responsible for the poor management and obvious nepotism that has been going on at Chatham Animal Control. Time is running out on your legacy. Get rid of the Lt. and her staff, bring in an experienced team to operate the shelter according to nationally recognized standards...Now

trying to get rid of the Lt is not smart when she works very well with the animal world here in Chatham County and actually loves those animals. We are lucky to have her and I for one will stand behind her, as will many others reading this post! That will not be taken lightly with the animal community in Chatham County.

Lt. Boulware and the Abolts have no clue how to manage OUR TAX DOLLARS in a shelter setting. The problem is the lack of standards of care. Not who said/she said. With the serious issues that have been brought to light, the smartest thing our Commission can do is bring in someone certified to review all areas of the county run facility. Then ACT on the recommendations.

I agree with you about outside management. I do not agree when you say Douglas and Neely handled it unprofessionally? What other way could it have been handled when nobody would listen? I don't understand how you feel they benefitted in any way from this. o

I am sorry that you are personally affected by this. It all boils down to improper management. That starts at the top. If Mrs. Abolt is has a great organization, she will do just as good without the AC facility. I know that the doctor's intentions were to help the animals, not stop the funds. I guess they felt the need for change now, before things got worse. Your money would be wasted if the facility continued to house animals under these conditions.

There is no need for rudeness. You have already stated that you are an outsider, so therefore you can only take what you hear. When all is revealed, justice will be served. End of story. No other words I will say will change how you feel. You should not pass judgement on people involved that you do not personally know. A volunteer doesn' t mean that you always make the right decisions. I am finished talking. Have a pleasant night.

at Animal Control was very evident to me as a volunteer there. The paid workers were hard-working, dedicated people, but Boulware and Abolt were continually getting in their way, both t hrowing out random orders with no kind of apparent system of running things. I saw no INTENTIONAL abuse, but the animals are definitely suffering due to human mismanagement. Koban, Landers, and others making critical comments about AC are painting an accurate picture of the place.